With Hugh Schuitemaker
Outside90 senior editors Joel Fruci and Hugh Schuitemaker select the best combined XI from both sides for Chelsea’s clash with Everton this weekend.
The team was picked based on form and fitness.
Thibaut Courtois – Goalkeeper – Chelsea
An easy choice. Tim Howard enjoyed an excellent 90 minutes against Manchester City midweek, but despite Chelsea’s poor form, the Belgian shot-stopper is the better and more consistent of the pair.
Cesar Azpilicueta – Right-back – Chelsea
Deployed mainly on the left, ‘Azpi’ takes pride of place on the right of this combined XI to accommodate the injured Seamus Coleman, who otherwise would have been selected. The Spaniard scored the opener in the Londoners’ 2-2 draw with West Brom on Wednesday night.
John Terry – Centre-back – Chelsea
Like many of his teammates, the skipper has been maligned this season, but nevertheless, the experienced head of Terry provides a degree of security and an air of confidence in defence. He just nudges out the returning Everton skipper Phil Jagielka.
John Stones – Centre-back – Everton
Is he the best young centre-back in world football? One would be hard-pressed to argue against it. Stones fits a similar mould to Terry with a much younger head on his shoulders; the 21-year-old very rarely panics. It is worth remembering these two could have been team mates.
POPULAR ARTICLES
Top 5 – Liverpool vs Manchester United games of EPL era
EPL – What We Learned – Chelsea 2 West Brom 2
EPL – What We Learned – Manchester City 0 Everton 0
How Twitter reacted to Manchester City’s stalemate against Everton
Leighton Baines – Left-back- Everton
The Englishman’s not-too-distant past has been scuppered by injury, yet Baines remains one of the most seasoned left-backs in the league with a phenomenal left boot that is capable of anything on a good day.
Gareth Barry – Defensive-midfielder – Everton
The most booked player in Premier League history is one of Everton’s lynchpins in the heart of midfield. Very much the ultimate enforcer, his wealth of experience provides a calming influence at number six that has seen him surpass counterpart Nemanja Matic, at least in the form stakes.
Muhamed Besic – Defensive-midfielder – Everton
A surprise selection for some, but Besic has starred for Everton since stepping into the sizeable void left by James McCarthy. The Bosnian’s docile nature provides Everton with a different kind of energy and is never one to shy away from a challenge.
Gerard Deulofeu – Right-midfield – Everton
Two goals and seven assists so far this season, Deulofeu is the premier winger among both sides, his pace and tricky feet a constant get-out for the Merseysiders.
Ross Barkley – Attacking-midfield – Everton
Barkley is in the form of his life with seven assists and six goals in the league. The youngster is fast becoming the ultimate number 10 as many predicted, building the confidence to glide up, down and around the pitch; he always wants the ball.
Willian – Left-midfield – Chelsea
The Brazilian has been a rare shining light in an otherwise dark time for the reigning but struggling champions. His three goals this season have been special strikes and, like most Brazilians, Willian has the fleet of foot to trouble even the best of defences.
Romelu Lukaku – Striker – Everton
The Belgian is a simple selection in this team. Fifteen goals and with the physique of men twice his age, the 22-year-old is delivering on the potential he has always promised and continues to remind Chelsea of what they have given up.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
